Random safety checks for South Australian tradies following workplace incidents

Random safety checks are coming for worksites, with threats of fines and loss of licences, after a spate of accidents in recent weeks involving powerlines.

South Australian tradies will be subject to random safety checks to crack down on “shocking work practices” that have sparked a spate of dangerous electrical accidents.

SafeWork SA has issued a new safety alert to residential builders and contractors to keep “safe clearance distances” to powerlines.

Authorities warned about “multiple electric shocks and near misses that could have resulted in serious injuries or even death by electrocution”.

The state’s work and safety watchdog has announced a crackdown that will involve more fines, and threats of licences being revoked, for dangerous site conditions.

SafeWork SA has issued a new safety alert to residential builders and contractors. Picture: File

Officials raised concerns about five specific incidents in recent weeks in which either junior apprentices were injured or powerlines were struck.

In the first accident a month ago, a second-year apprentice suffered an electric shock after he lifted a metal purlin, or house frame, above his head that touched a low-voltage power line. More than a fortnight later, a first-year apprentice was also shocked while carrying another purlin along a metal scaffold and that also touched an overhead electricity cable.

SafeWork SA investigators believe the modular scaffold breached a safe clearance distance to a 11kV powerline by at least 1.6m.

Another three accidents involved machinery, such as a crane, striking an overhead powerline. In one, inspectors suspended a vehicle loading crane licence after the operator struck powerlines while delivering material to a residential construction site.

SafeWork SA executive director Martyn Campbell. Picture: Tait Schmaal

SafeWork SA executive director Martyn Campbell said while no serious injuries occurred, he warned “they all had the potential to cause major trauma or death”.

Mr Campbell revealed new random, surprise checks as part of a wider crackdown. He urged companies, managers and workers, to properly manage dangerous work.

“Our inspectors will be turning up on sites across the state to make sure businesses are complying with their obligations,” he said.

“To help eradicate serious and potentially fatal injuries, my inspectors will take a stronger approach to compliance by issuing expiation notices where necessary.

“(It also involves) enforcement action in regards to licence holders and those in control of the workplace activities.

“We have had too many serious injuries caused by electric shocks, all of which were entirely preventable.”

Figures show over the past year, SafeWork SA received 348 electric shock notifications, or almost 10 per cent more than on the previous year and almost 40 per cent higher than 2019-20.

The watchdog said the construction industry accounted for almost a quarter of all electric shock notifications over the past financial year.

An SA Power Networks spokesman said it was important that all tradespeople observed proper safety with electricity.

“You need to plan properly to ensure you observe safe distances as it is inherently dangerous work,” he said.

Masters Builders SA chief executive Will Frogley said his organisation would work with the industry and authorities on improvements.

“It’s been an extremely busy couple of years for the industry and with fatigue setting in for many there’s a risk of sloppy practices creeping in,” he said.

“Electricity can be extremely dangerous and maintaining approved safe distances at all times is crucial to protecting both people and property.”